Politics & Current Affairs — March 27, 2009

How can people attack and brutally criticize without contributing any value or ideas of their own?

Political debate jumps the shark.

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

The political bitterness seems particularly high right now. I don’t understand why one would think that attacking others’ thoughts – without bringing any value to the situation – would be something that contributes value.

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Arms burdened with a large stack of papers, folders, and rolled-up documents, a person exemplifies toxic productivity. Their black bag hangs precariously from their arm as they navigate the weight of their workload.

The Learning Curve

How to break free from your “toxic productivity” cycle

Psychotherapist Israa Nasir explains how a “value-aligned life” can help us crush our goals — without being crushed by the need to accomplish more.

A green and abstract background with connected molecular diagrams and labeled sections: "Building block" and "Assembly pool," with an "Assembly index: 8.

13.8

The pre-life puzzle: Tracing the rise of complexity in a lifeless world

We need a “theory that explains the evolution of evolution,” argues theoretical physicist Sara Imari Walker.

Three red, cloud-like structures are set against a starry background in space.

Starts With A Bang

What do JWST’s “red monster” galaxies mean for cosmology?

The most massive early galaxies grew up faster, and have more stars, than astronomers expected, according to JWST. What does it all mean?

Silhouette of a person against a blue background, overlaid with white node and line networks.

Thinking

Mechanized minds: AI’s hidden impact on human thought

While we’re busy wondering whether machines will ever become conscious, we rarely stop to ask: What happens to us?

Yellow and black bird perched on a thin branch surrounded by green leaves.

The Present

How tech is turning science into a hobby

Off-the-shelf consumer technology is helping people pursue their interests — and advancing science at the same time.

Up Next

Technology & Innovation

One plus One equals Change

Character in Leadership..